Britain’s Emma Radukanu will face Amanda Anisimova at the Australian Open on Thursday. Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend believes that “the great achievement is at hand”.
On Tuesday, Radukanu overcame service problems to upset 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova to reach the second round in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old joked that her serve “had a mind of its own” as she hit 15 double faults but recorded her best win in a lopsided match at Melbourne Park, defeating 31st-ranked Russian Alexandrova 7-6 (7-. 4) 7-6 (7-2).
The Briton has struggled with injury and form since her shock success at the 2021 US Open, but Sky Sports Tennis Commentator Overend thinks it’s wrong to write him off.
“He is ready for another big performance at the Grand Slam level in the future,” he said.
In the first round of the Australian Open, Radukanu lost to 26th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova
“I’m in the camp of believing Radukanu has another big achievement in the next few years, not writing him off. It’s the attitude as well as the tennis that gives me that belief.
“We’ve seen Aryna Sabalenka and Koko Gauff over the last couple of years, and they’re the best two players in the world that I think are in shape at the moment, so no for Radukanu there is no shame.
“I think what’s really cool is how he continues to deal with these relatively minor setbacks with such good humor and such humility.
“It’s so important and so refreshing to see in the cutthroat world of professional sports where so many athletes are so tough and prickly when perceived criticism is voiced.”
Radukanu’s attitude, in addition to his play on the court, has impressed Overend
Radukanu’s next opponent in Melbourne, Anisimova stunned the tennis world when she reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2019 aged just 17.
The American has yet to repeat such a run since reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2022 at a Grand Slam, but she has reached the fourth round four times in Australia so far, something Radukanu has never done without going past the second. round Down Under.
The Brit says she knows she’s up against tough competition.
“I know he is a great ball striker. He hits the ball very hard,” Radukanu told the media.
“I’ve trained with him a few times, he likes to dictate, so I think it will be a big challenge for me, of course.
“He’s had some amazing results, too. He’s on fire very early. I’m looking forward to getting out there and testing my game and seeing where I’m at.”
Radukanu says he knows improving his serve and staying injury-free are two big factors moving forward.
Two areas Radukanu admitted he needs to focus on is his serve as well as his fitness.
“I’m not sure what I changed in my service. I think it had a mind of its own. I’ll definitely look into it,” he said.
“I think in the first set I was hitting a couple of aces. At the same time, I was taking it a lot. “Well, at least I’m going for it.”
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Speaking ahead of the Australian Open, Radukanu said he refused to use antiseptic spray on the bite because he feared it was contaminated with a banned substance.
“I think because the balls were getting heavier, it was more difficult to refocus, but I knew that even if I got down, I was able to rely on my game to parts that I know are also pretty strong.
“I’m just very proud that I didn’t let it affect me too much and didn’t let the game get away from me.”
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Martina Navratilova believes Radukanu should own up to her tennis career as she answers fans’ questions
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Tim Henman believed Radukanu’s game was headed in the right direction after the US Open
Radukanu added about his physical fitness. “I’m a very flexible and pretty hypermobile person. I think that’s where a lot of my niggles came from in the past, not necessarily the amount of strength in the end range.
“That’s something I’m working on now, trying to limit any bites and injuries. We’re just getting started on it, so I want to see how it goes.”
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